Five Styling Tips for a Blank Wall ...
If you're anything like me you have a love hate relationship with the October to December time of year. Day light savings kicks in just at the right time and with all those streched out jasmin filled afternoons, it's exciting to be working towards wrapping up the current year, while the promise of a new one looms ahead. It's those last few months jam packed, fun-filled months however, which are often equally frantic and presurised as the majority of us run around to get things done like the world is coming to an end.
Spring is also traditionally the preferred time to exchange property in Australia, with both gardens and the weather putting on their best shows, ensuring there are plenty of buyers in the market all of whom are shopping to be sorted and settled pre Christmas. The season also ensures there are more properties on the market, meaning more competition and higher energy levels as buyers have a wider array of choice. Whatever category you happen to find yourself in, the folks at Artist Collective have you sorted, and ensure you will fall in love with Art Photography along the way.
Artist Collective believe Art should be for everyone, and while they view their carefully selected range and limited edition pieces as priceless, they're also careful to offer affordable prices that make it possible for everyone to enjoy Art. With over 500 artworks currently on offer, captured by Artists across the globe and setting trends in Art Photography to follow.
So, on that blank wall you've been staring at and pondering what to do with …
Before we dive into a handful of useful Tips and Tricks to consider when selecting the stylistic icing on the cake of your abode, it's important to understand the purpose having Art in your home or office should serve. Ideally Art should draw the eye, pull surrounds together and create an inviting and interesting space, which genuinely improves your environment. And while there aren't any specific set of rules for adorning your abode when it comes to Art, following some simple basics during the selection process, will help you to feel less daunted and more excited when deciding on your perfect pieces from limitless options ...
#1. Like It.
Firstly, lets start with the obvious, and that being, you actually need to like the Artwork! It's your home, your sanctuary and it's important you enjoy your space and it compliments your lifestyle. While plush navies and French Provincial may be all the rage, if your home reflects contemportary modern and you're more intent on having fashion for fashions sake, it's likely not going to work over the long term. If you set your sights on a piece and it doesn't immediately foster feelings or joy, relaxation or inspiration, don't hang it on your wall.
#2. Size Matters.
Before embarking on your wall Art journey, it will make it a tonne easier on yourself to start with a general idea of the size you have in mind. It might be painful and require investing some additional time upfront, but won't hurt to grab yourself a measuring tape, pair of scissors and cardboard to mock up a few draft pieces. As a gerenal rule, most bathrooms can't accomodate oversized wall art, just as most living and lounge rooms with open, flowing spaces won't work with smaller, scattered pieces.
When it comes to sizing, there are some general sizing rules to consider:
⦁ Pictures should not be more than two-thirds longer than your sofa.
⦁ Art be at least 15 centimetres above the edge of your furniture.
⦁ A relatively small piece of Art cannot fill a large space well. If you happen to come across a small piece you can't resist, attempt grouping a range of smaller pieces together. Grouping works by the same artist with a consistent theme will complement each piece well and create a larger effect.
⦁ Don't forget to consider the height of your ceiling when choosing size, being sure your Art fills the majority of space in length and width.
#3. Colour Rules.
Did you know in decorating world, there is a huge difference between basic room colour palettes versus the colour palettes of art? Let me explain ... Art simply allows for a broader use of bold and brighter colour schemes which you might only reserve for an accent wall. It's also a whole lot less effort to replace an Art piece down the track as opposed to painting an entire wall.
There are two approaches to selecting your wall Art by colour ...
1. Add art to your room that incorporates colours already present in the room. In the majority of cases, sticking to a consistent scheme is consistent, sophisticated, and keeps it simple. Basics of this style include:
⦁ Your most significant piece of artwork should have a background colour that matches your wall colour.
⦁ Keep your colour pallet consistent, playing with variations of light and dark shades. For example, a light blue and white painting looks beautiful and will sit complimentary with a navy blue wall.
⦁ Most spaces should not exceed four colours to look pulled together, so try keeping large furniture piece colours in mind when in selection mode.
⦁ When in doubt about colour, KISS (keep it simple stupid). While black and white not only tend to match and link in with most surroundings, they're also effective in creating elegance and simplicity.
⦁ Try to steer clear of bright colours and neon’s as these don't always match well with neutral wall colours, and it's a novelty that's likely to wear off sooner rather than later.
⦁ And lastly, don't overlook the magic of the mirror. Mirrors are a great form of art and depending on the space can enhance the rooms size and also be used to duplicate the appearance of wall art.
2. Alternatively, choose art for your room that introduces bolder shades of your already chosen room colour scheme. Your wall colour doesn't necessarily restrict your palette but instead can serve as a baseline AKA blank canvas
⦁ Introduce a new colour into the room in consistencies of twos or threes. Two, three or four hints of a bright pink are subtle but also intentional, and repetition tends to increase a colours impact in the room.
⦁ Bright or neon pieces stand out against walls with neutral backgrounds.
⦁ Don't disregard the undertone! A deep green undertone for example can look great on a light green wall, even if the light green is not actually in the artwork.
⦁ And lastly, frame, frame, frame! Frames can be a beautiful way to highlight and complete a piece as opposed to selecting an acrylic finish.
#4. Theme.
Now I mention this one with some trepidation, and in mentioning theme here I'm not suggesting you go off on some marina inspired purchasing spree. All I'm saying is subconsciously, there is usually some theme of sorts going on in most of our homes already. If for example you happen to be selecting a piece for your holiday home which happens to sit beachside, and features a range of shell collections in perfectly placed vases and bleached coral pieces, you would be more inclined to select an ocean panoramic or dreamy underwater capture as opposed to a city scape. Homes with a theme can be simple to style and decorate because it becomes easier to eliminate items that don't necessarily fit and that in itself can narrow down choice. It can also lead to an interesting and diverse collection of pieces picked up at different locations over time ie; holidays, random last minute shopping sprees and even garage sales.
#5. Finishes are not just finishes.
Last but not least, don't forget the finish! The Artist Collective offer a range of finishes including acrylic float frames, space frames, canvas and print only, with all artworks available in four standard sizes.
Acrylic finishes produce a beautiful minimalistic effect, and depending on the detail in the artwork are perfect in an already busy room or space. While the space frame is a contemporary take on the classic wooden frame, it sets some space and distance between the art and it's surroundings with a sharper finish.
And speaking of finishes, I’ll wrap it up on that note, but please remember the right Art really can set the tone for your space by creating invitation, communicating who you and yours are, while also defining different rooms and spaces. Whatever you choose to base your selection process on, make sure it's an enjoyable journey and not a painful one, and most importantly have fun!
By Eugenie C.
